At 3-2, the Falcons looked like they were going to be right in the mix in the NFC South, but they’ve lost six of seven since then, including three losses by one-score margins. What has gone wrong for the Falcons to fall out of contention over the last month and a half?
A: Losing six of your last seven in just as many weeks will do that to a team. At this point the odds of a postseason berth is miniscule at best. Earlier this week, Will McFadden actually broke it down, and it’s going to take quite the feat to see Atlanta atop the NFC South. Ultimately, the Falcons have not been able to pull out wins, even when they go into the fourth quarter with a lead. Case in point? The Falcons last three of four games saw them hold a lead into the final quarter only to lose.
The Falcons’ problem isn’t talent — it’s execution in critical moments.
Bijan Robinson is on pace to put up more than 2,000 scrimmage yards. What has the third-year back come to mean to this offense, especially as Michael Penix’ injury led to a midseason change at quarterback?
A: He means everything. Full stop. End of sentence.
Robinson’s accolades are numerous, more than any player I have covered for this organization since the Matt Ryan/Julio Jones days. He’s a special talent, and there are few who rival Robinson in production and — I would add — overall talent. Since he was drafted No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons three seasons ago, he’s been one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Unfortunately, the Falcons overall record does not match the magnitude of the year Robinson has singularly had. And I think that is my worry about Robinson right now, that he is being overshadowed by other backs who are on teams pushing for postseason looks. That doesn’t take away that Robinson is a player who’s talent becomes a work of art and defies science when he steps on a football field.
You highlighted the Atlanta’s special teams issues in Sunday’s loss, how big of a factor has that been for the Falcons this season, and how do they go about fixing it?
A: It’s not a one-size-fits-all issue. The Falcons have seen problems in muffed punts, missed kicks and punt/kickoff returns. There isn’t just one thing or a magical pill they can take to change that many entities. And I will be honest that it actually goes back to fundamentals of the game, particularly in the return game.
It’s about lane integrity, winning your matchup long enough to maintain it. Simple stuff: Blocking, tackling, executing and being where you’re supposed to be. I wish there were a more complex explanation, but I don’t think there is. It’s fundamentals — and the Falcons aren’t executing them consistently.